A man was attacked by a shark on the Fourth of July while in the waters off South Padre Island in Texas, police said.
The South Padre Island Police Department said it received a call reporting a “severe” shark bite to the leg at around 11 a.m. local time Thursday near the 4100 block of Gulf Boulevard.
A shark is seen near where a man was bitten off South Padre Island, Texas, July 4, 2024.
Katie McMillan
First responders from the South Padre Island police and fire departments provided treatment at the scene before the man was transported to a nearby hospital, police said. A police spokesperson did not provide an update on the man’s condition.
Footage from a beachgoer who witnessed the incident showed a shark swimming near the shore in the vicinity of the attack.
The South Padre Island Beach patrol, along with the fire and police departments, are currently patrolling the shoreline and using drones, police said.
On the Fourth of July, a man was attacked by a shark while swimming in the waters off South Padre Island. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk in the ocean, even in popular tourist destinations.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was swimming with a group of friends when the shark attacked. He suffered severe injuries to his leg and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Thankfully, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Shark attacks are rare, but they do happen. According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 64 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2019, with only two fatalities. While the odds of being attacked by a shark are extremely low, it is important for beachgoers to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe.
Experts recommend avoiding swimming alone, especially at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active. It is also important to avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to frequent, such as near fishing piers or in murky water. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, as these can attract sharks.
In the event of a shark sighting, it is important to remain calm and slowly back away from the animal. Do not splash or thrash around, as this can mimic the behavior of injured prey and attract sharks. If a shark does approach, experts recommend maintaining eye contact and slowly moving towards shore.
While shark attacks are rare, they can have devastating consequences. It is important for beachgoers to be informed about the risks and take precautions to stay safe while enjoying the ocean. By following these guidelines, we can reduce the likelihood of shark attacks and ensure that everyone can enjoy a fun and safe day at the beach.
